Tully residents want I-81 bridges fixed

The Tully Rotary and some residents are pushing for the state to repair the Interstate 81 bridges that cut across Route 80.

As long as the state's at it, they want it to create a safe pathway for pedestrians, bicyclists, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles along Route 80 under the bridges.

Anyone walking beneath the overpasses better not stumble. The only place to walk now is a narrow strip of pavement, separated from the traffic lane by a painted white stripe. The Rotary is willing to raise money to help pay for the pedestrian path, Rotarian Sonny Battle said.

The state Department of Transportation says it inspected the bridges in May and found that they "have moderate deterioration but are capable of safely carrying legal loads." The state says it most likely will replace rather than repair the bridges because they are near the end of their expected 50 year life span. The transportation department also says it will look at pedestrian safety along Route 80 as part of the bridge project may be willing to put in a pedestrian path.